DISTRIBUTION of the community survey on whether Mount Gambier residents back the proposed $39.1m community and recreation hub proposed for the city starts today.
The mail out begins as Mount Gambier’s new mayor issued a statement yesterday publicly backing the proposal.
“The question was asked ‘what sort of city do we want for our future, our children and our community?'” Mayor Lynette Martin, pictured right, said.
“We need to create our own future looking forward.
“The new council and I are absolutely committed to continuing to develop the community and recreation hub proposal and acknowledge the efforts and achievement of the previous council in this regard.”
Thursday night’s first meeting of the council endorsed numerous reports on the proposal and the mayor’s sentiments were unanimously backed by councillors.
“The community and recreation hub will be a vital investment into the future direction of our city in terms of the visitor economy, revitalisation of the central business district and, most importantly, the wellbeing and cohesion of our community for the next 50 plus years,” Cr Ben Hood said.
Meanwhile, Cr Max Bruins said the proposed hub offered a chance for Mount Gambier to build a modern and state of the art facility which would be the envy of other regional cities across the country.
“This project is an opportunity for us to build a truly amazing piece of infrastructure which will benefit a broad cross section of the community,” he said.
Re-elected councillor Sonya Mezinec said the design featured more than “a pool and courts”.
“The hub’s flexible design means it is a place people will be able to gather in and use for a wide variety of activities,” she said.
“It is an investment in the future of our city that will have social and economic benefits.”
The Federal Government has allocated $15m for the development, however numerous steps remain before the proposal can move ahead, hinging on the result of the survey and council securing $15m in capital funds from the State Government.
“The project will not move forward without a strong show of support from the community,” Ms Martin said.
“If the community want this, a positive result will provide a strong case for matching state funding.
“It is important to understand this centre is so much more than a sports facility, it is a hub, a gathering spot, an inclusive place for people of all ages from all backgrounds.
“It will be a place for health, fitness and wellbeing. There will be youth programs, concerts, conferences, expos, high level sporting tournaments, community sport and learn to swim classes all year round.”
Ms Martin said the new council was confident about the financial model for the proposal and maintained the facility could be built and run within the current rate increase level of 4.5pc per year.
Market research company Market Solutions will distribute the elector survey to more than 19,000 residents via post from today to gauge community support for or against the proposed facility.
“It is important you understand the facts before you vote in the upcoming survey,” Ms Martin said.
She encouraged people to visit the council’s website and information sessions about the proposal.
The survey will be open for three weeks and votes must be returned in the post by December 21.
Voting slips will be mechanically processed and council expects to receive the results by mid-January.
If the majority of the community votes yes, the council will submit a full business case submission to the Federal Government by January 24.
“If the community votes no, the project will not go ahead and the $15m in federal funds allocated to Mount Gambier specifically for the community and recreation hub will be returned,” Ms Martin said.
